Introducing myself and my journal

About Me:
My name is Janine, and I currently live in Oregon. I was born to a French father and an American mother. I grew up mostly in Los Angeles, California, but I spent 3 years living in Paris with my family as a young teenager. In college I majored in French and Spanish, and lived abroad in France and Spain for a year. I have always loved traveling and meeting and connecting with different people from all over the world. I have been married for almost 12 years, and I have two children, a boy and a girl, ages 7 and 5. Before having children, I was a teacher. I taught French, Spanish, and English Composition at high school and college levels. One of my favorite things about teaching was working with youth and helping my students achieve their goals. In addition, I loved being someone my students could turn to when they had a problem or needed help or advice. I am a very passionate, caring, non judgemental person who cares greatly about the well-being of others, both here close to my home and throughout the world. I believe strongly in equality for all people, and I think no girl, woman, or person in general should be marginalized and not given a voice in society. I believe in the power of women to make great changes in the societies in which we live.

My Passions:
travel, cooking, my family, exercise, the outdoors, reading, meeting people from other cultures

My Challenges:
Sometimes I am more reactive and less calm than I would like to be.

My Vision for the Future:
A world where women have more of voice in politics and international policy, which, I believe will result in less wars and greater diplomacy and international relations.

My Areas of Expertise:
I don't consider myself an expert in anything. I love languages and cultures, and I am good at talking to people from all over the world and different walks of life. I am also fairly diplomatic.